Respiratory Therapist

Bassett Healthcare Network•Village of Cooperstown, NY

55d•Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist I will assist the provider in restoration of normal respiratory function in critically ill patients in accordance with established protocols and policies. The respiratory therapist is competent to provide services to patients from birth to adult geriatric. The best thing about this role is the opportunity to make a difference by improving the health of patients. This role is within an innovative, patient-focused culture dedicated to making a difference and helping the population served and communities achieve optimum health and enjoy the best quality of life possible.

Requirements

2 year / Associate Degree in Respiratory Care or Graduate of a COARC accredited school for Respiratory Care as required by NYS to obtain NYS license, required
Respiratory Therapist experience prior to employment, preferred (New graduate considered)
Requires a broad knowledge of respiratory care procedures, respiratory equipment and patient evaluation using protocol systems, preferred
NYS license as a Respiratory Therapist, required
BLS and ACLS certifications within 6 months from date of hire, required
CRT or RRT NBRC certification, required
Computer Skills
Communication
Interacting with People
Reading/Writing/Comprehension

Nice To Haves

PALS and NRP certification, preferred

Responsibilities

Assist the provider in restoration of normal respiratory function in critically ill patients in accordance with established protocols and policies.
Provide high quality respiratory care services in the inpatient setting.
Assess patient status and take appropriate action including: Bronchodilator therapy via MDI, DPI, SVN; Bronchial hygiene: vibratory PEP therapy, chest physiotherapy; Lung inflation therapy: incentive spirometry, inexsufflation; Respiratory status including monitoring Sp02 and EtC02, combined with clinical assessment.
Sets up, monitors and maintains continuous mechanical ventilation equipment for the treatment of patients experiencing acute, chronic or impending respiratory failure.
Applies intensive bedside respiratory therapy techniques.
Documents the effectiveness of all therapies administered in the medical record 100% of the time, with no more than 1 exception per month.
Performs specialized diagnostic procedures.
Performs routine and emergency arterial blood gas punctures for the evaluation of patient’s acid-base status.
Participates in the respiratory care protocol system to ensure that respiratory therapy is appropriately ordered throughout the hospital.
Evaluates patients for appropriate forms of respiratory care by hospital protocol within 24 hours of patient’s admission to service.
Reviews patient assessment and medical history pertinent to protocol evaluation, classifies the need for respiratory care for individual patients, determined by evaluation being accepted by ordering M.D.
Presents patient history and suggested therapeutic programs to provider.
Assists the provider in accurately assessing and identifying acute changes in the cardiopulmonary status of critically ill patients.
Documents accurate hemodynamic data on the 24-hour flowsheet, at least once and 8- hour shift.
Assesses medical records daily for proper delivery and documentation for respiratory therapy procedures.
Performs concurrent audits during patient hospitalizations while receiving respiratory therapy.
Works in consort with the manager and director by reporting PI matters been completed.
Develops and maintains a department PI/QA project and reports findings monthly and quarterly.
Performs and documents testing and quality control in accordance to established laboratory policies and procedures 100% of the time, as observed by supervisor and POC staff.
Maintains and documents testing reagents/supplies and equipment according to established laboratory procedures as observed by supervisor and POC staff.
Performs similar or related duties as requested or directed.
Performs other duties as requested and observed by supervisor, manager or director.